Karen White, who was born a man but identifies as a woman, raped two women and stabbed her neighbour before sexually assaulting two inmates in HMP New Hall in Flockton, near Wakefield .

The 'predatory' and 'manipulative' 52-year-old was branded a 'significant risk of serious harm to children, women and the general public' at Leeds Crown Court today.

White, who was previously called Stephen Wood and David Thompson, had cross dressed in the past but only began gender reassignment when she was remanded into custody.

While on remand in the B wing of the female prison and wearing a wig, makeup and women's clothing, she sexually assaulted two inmates between September and October last year.

Transgender prisoner Karen White, who has been jailed for life at Leeds Crown Court (Image: West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire)

Christopher Dunn, prosecuting, described the defendant as 'allegedly' transgender.

He said: "The prosecution say allegedly because there's smatterings of evidence in this case that the defendant's approach to transitioning has been less than committed.

"The prosecution suggest the reason for the lack of commitment towards transitioning is so the defendant can use a transgender persona to put herself in contact with vulnerable persons she can then abuse."

White, of Elphin Court in Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, was first arrested after attacking a 66-year-old neighbour with a steak knife last year.

White threatened: "I'm going to kill you"

The victim was accused of trying to kiss White and 'slobbering all over' her before being stabbed with a knife.

White threatened: "I'm going to kill you. If I don't do it now, you won't know when or where but I am going to kill you."

Two women then came forward with rape allegations. One was raped while pregnant and another was raped repeatedly, causing internal injuries and her to fear she could not have children in the future. Both women had tried to take their own lives as a result of the rapes.

While on remand, White approached an inmate in the queue for prisoners to get medication.

Mr Dunn said: "The complainant, while waiting, felt something hard press against the small of her back. She turned around to see the defendant stood there. She could see the defendant's penis erect and sticking out of the top of her pants, covered by her tights."

Another inmate told how she was in the prison workshop with White when the defendant was making 'inappropriate comments about blow jobs'. White then grabbed her hand and put it on the defendant's left breast with the words: "Oh look, they're not real ones."

White later told a probation officer she 'could abuse a child and think nothing of it' and said she needed 'to be put in hospital or she would abduct a child and kill it'.

'You represent a significant risk of serious harm to children, to women and to the general public'

White was found guilty of one count of wounding following a trial at Bradford Crown Court and later pleaded guilty to three counts of rape against two women and two counts of sexual assault against inmates.

She had previous convictions for indecent exposure, indecent assault and gross indecency committed against a 12-year-old and a nine-year-old boy.

Now in men's prison HMP Leeds in Armley with shoulder-length blonde hair, she was locked up for life with a minimum of eight years and 116 days, of which she will serve half before being eligible for release on licence.

Judge Christopher Batty said: "You are a predator and highly manipulative and in my view you are a danger.

"You represent a significant risk of serious harm to children, to women and to the general public."